Acoustic Generator for Distance Sounding with a New and Novel Portal Structure for the Efficient Firing of the Pressure Chamber

ABSTRACT

In the oil industry, the acoustic sounding method is a well-known technique for taking the depth measurements of particular attributes of an oil well or borehole. The method involves sending a short, sharp, clear, loud bang sound down a borehole, normally between the inside wall of the borehole casing, commonly referred to as the annulus and the outside of the production tubing string, and recording the echoes generated. One device for generating the sound needed in the acoustic sounding method is an air or gas pressurized chamber which is discharged at or near the wellhead of the borehole. The sound being generated by this device, commonly known as an acoustic generator, comes from the energy released by the equilibration of the different gas pressures. The current invention is an acoustic generator and its control unit that uses several new and novel features to improve the quality of the sound generated and echoes detected in the acoustic sounding method including a unique and novel design and configuration of the portal between the pressurized chamber and the borehole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the late 1930s the so-called acoustic sounding, or echometering,method has been used in the oil industry for taking distancemeasurements in an oil well or borehole, see U.S. Pat. No. 2,927,301,Booth, Measurement of liquid levels in wells. The acoustic soundingmethod involves sending a short, sharp, clear, loud bang sound down anoil well or borehole and using a transducer to “listen” to the echoesreflected back. The signal from the transducer is usually recorded foranalysis which is usually performed by a separate device: see U.S. Pat.No. 2,209,944, Walker, Method of measuring location of obstructions indeep wells, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,232,476, Ritzmann, Method and apparatusfor measuring depth in wells.

As explained in these patents and other literature, the acousticsounding method not only determines the distances between the source ofthe sound and the causes of the echoes, but also determines the physicalnature of the causes of the echoes based on the frequency, amplitude,and other attributes of the sound being reflected back. For example, inits application in oil wells the acoustic sounding method can not onlydetermine the distance to the “bottom” of the well, i.e. the fluid levelof the well, but it can also determine other attributes and anomalies,such as wax, scale, or gas build-up and other obstructions, encountereddown the well based on the nature of the echoes received at the wellheadby the transducer.

Further the acoustic sounding method itself has other distance measuringand obstruction analysis applications beyond its use in oil wells. As anexample, an early application of the acoustic sounding method was usedby the postal service in New York City in the early 1900s to locate mailbags stuck in mail transportation tubes.

One common method for generating the sound needed for the acousticsounding method is to use an air or gas pressurized chamber which isdischarged at or near the wellhead or the void to be analyzed. Asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,750,583 and 4,646,871, Wolf, Gas-Gun forAcoustic Well Sounding (hereinafter “Wolf”) the sound generated by thepressurized chamber comes from the energy released by the equilibrationof the different pressures between the chamber and the wellhead or thevoid. A different, earlier method for generating the sound needed forthe acoustic sounding method was to fire a blank cartridge from afirearm at the wellhead. Accordingly the oil industry has coined theterm “sound gun”, “echo gun”, “acoustic gun”, or simply “gun” togenerally describe devices that produce the sound needed for theacoustic sounding method.

Although acoustic generators, acoustic guns using a pressurized gaschamber, have been used for many years, these acoustic generators havefailed to address a number of issues in their use and have failed toyield the full benefits of the acoustic sounding method as an analyticaltool for measuring distances and analyzing physical attributes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The current invention is the application of the acoustic sounding methodby using a vastly improved acoustic generator and surveyor unit. Thebenefits of the current invention include, but are not limited to:

-   a device for automatically setting gas pressures in various chambers    for numerous uses and applications including, but not limited to,    setting the pressures for the various chambers in an acoustic    generator;-   a mechanism for automatically setting the gas pressures of various    chambers in a device based on a control gas pressure for numerous    uses and applications including, but not limited to, a mechanism for    automatically setting the gas pressures for the various chambers of    an acoustic generator based upon the void gas pressure;-   a unique differential regulator that is used in a mechanism for    automatically setting the gas pressures of various chambers in a    device based on a control gas pressure;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to automatically set the    pressure chamber of the acoustic generator to any desired pressure;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to automatically set the    pressure chamber of the acoustic generator to a suitable pressure    with respect to the void pressure for firing the acoustic generator    in either the explosion mode or implosion mode;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to automatically set the    pressure chamber of the acoustic generator to a gas pressure    difference that is relative to, and based upon, the void gas    pressure at the time of automatic setting;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to automatically set the    pressure chamber of the acoustic generator to a gas pressure    difference that is relative to, and based upon, the void gas    pressure for any void gas pressure;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to automatically set the    pressure chamber of the acoustic generator to a gas pressure    difference that is relative to, and based upon, the void gas    pressure for any gas pressure difference;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to fire the pressure chamber    of the acoustic generator at any pressure setting;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to fire the pressure chamber    of the acoustic generator for any pressure difference between the    pressure chamber and the void;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to fire the pressure chamber    of the acoustic generator for any void gas pressure;-   an acoustic generator with the ability to automatically set the    arming and firing mechanism of the acoustic generator;-   an acoustic generator with a firing mechanism that will fire for any    pressure in the pressure chamber;-   an acoustic generator with a firing mechanism that will fire the    pressure chamber for any void gas pressure;-   an acoustic generator with a firing mechanism that will fire for any    gas pressure difference between the pressure chamber and the void;-   an acoustic generator with an automated mechanism for controlling    the timing of the arming and firing of the acoustic generator;-   an acoustic generator with a unique outlet or portal design from the    pressure chamber for the efficient and effective generation of the    desired sound needed for the acoustic sounding method;-   an acoustic generator with a unique design and configuration of the    microphone element and unit for the efficient and effective    detection of echoes from the void;-   an acoustic generator that produces a shorter, sharper, and clearer    sound wave than any prior art acoustic generator; and-   a surveyor unit used in the acoustic sounding method with unique    attributes for analyzing echo information and data retrieved from    the application of the acoustic sounding method.

The current invention is also a component of a real time control systemfor oil well pumping operations. The objective of the real time controlsystem being to optimize oil production from an oil field. The currentinvention is a key component to this real time control system because itprovides a practical method for providing the oil field operator realtime information and feedback about the fluid level status and otherphysical statuses of the wells in their oil field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a cross sectional view of the Acoustic Generator with MainBody Housing (Portable Unit) in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 1 b is a cross sectional view of the Main Body Housing (StationaryUnit) in a preferred embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the internal module of the AcousticGenerator in a preferred embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 a is a cross sectional view of two different versions of theStable Pressure Regulator Shaft used in preferred embodiments of thecurrent invention.

FIG. 2 b is a cross sectional view of three different versions of theNub Bobbin and Piston used in preferred embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 2 c is a rear face view of two different versions of the PistonSection used in preferred embodiments of the current invention.

FIG. 2 d is a side and cross sectional view of two different versions ofPressure Chamber Sleeves used in preferred embodiments of the currentinvention.

FIG. 2 e is a side view of the Stable Pressure Regulator Spring GuideSpacer used in a preferred embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 f is a side view of the Fire Bobbin Spring Guide Spacer used in apreferred embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 g is a perspective view of the microphone element and microphonewires used in a preferred embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 2 h is a cross sectional view of the microphone element andmicrophone wires used in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional exploded view of the internal components ofthe Acoustic Generator in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 3 a is a cross sectional exploded view of the components of theStable Pressure Regulator used in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 3 b is a cross sectional exploded view of the components of theDifferential Regulator used in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 3 c is a view of the components of the Microphone Area of theAcoustic Generator used in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 4 a is a view of the rear of the Top Section in a preferredembodiment of the current invention with the figures denoting thelocations of the components placed in the Top Section.

FIG. 4 b is a view of the front of the Top Section in a preferredembodiment of the current invention with the figures denoting thelocations of the components as placed in the Top Section.

FIG. 4 c is a view of the rear of the Piston Section in a preferredembodiment of the current invention with the figures denoting thelocations of the components as placed in the Piston Section.

FIG. 4 d is a view of the front of the Piston Section in a preferredembodiment of the current invention with the figures denoting thelocations of the components as placed in the Piston Section.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the rear of the Piston Section used in apreferred embodiment of the current invention showing components asplaced in the Piston Section.

FIG. 6 a is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in the armedposition (explosion mode).

FIG. 6 b is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an alternative embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in thearmed position (explosion mode).

FIG. 7 a is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in the standby/firedposition (explosion mode).

FIG. 7 b is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an alternative embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in thestandby/fired position (explosion mode).

FIG. 8 a is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in the armedposition (implosion mode).

FIG. 8 b is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an alternative embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in thearmed position (implosion mode).

FIG. 9 a is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in the standby/firedposition (implosion mode).

FIG. 9 b is a schematic depiction of the components, chambers andpassages of an alternative embodiment of the Acoustic Generator in thestandby/fired position (implosion mode).

FIG. 10 is a face view of a Surveyor Unit in a preferred embodiment ofthe current invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting the instructions executed by the signalprocessor, main processor, and i/o processor of a Surveyor Unit in apreferred embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting the components of a Surveyor Unitin a preferred embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 13 is a copy of a typical strip chart printed by a preferredembodiment of the current invention from an acoustic sounding of a12,000 foot well.

FIG. 14 a is a view of the setup between the wellhead, AcousticGenerator, Compressed Gas Source, and Surveyor Unit in applying theacoustic sounding method in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention.

FIG. 14 b is a view of the Surveyor Unit and a programmed computer fordownloading the data collected by the Surveyor for offsite analysis ofthe data collected in the acoustic sounding method in a preferredembodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a preferredembodiment of the current invention at 10 Hz under the benchmark testconditions described herein.

FIG. 16 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a preferredembodiment of the current invention at 20 Hz under the benchmark testconditions described herein.

FIG. 17 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a preferredembodiment of the current invention at 40 Hz under the benchmark testconditions described herein.

FIG. 18 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a preferredembodiment of the current invention at 70 Hz under the benchmark testconditions described herein.

FIG. 19 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a SONOLOG D-6C2 at10 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

FIG. 20 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a SONOLOG D-6C2 at20 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

FIG. 21 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a SONOLOG D-6C2 at40 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

FIG. 22 is a graph depicting the sound generated by a SONOLOG D-6C2 at70 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

FIG. 23 is a graph depicting the sound generated by an ECHOMETER COMPACTGAS GUN at 10 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

FIG. 24 is a graph depicting the sound generated by an ECHOMETER COMPACTGAS GUN at 20 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

FIG. 25 is a graph depicting the sound generated by an ECHOMETER COMPACTGAS GUN at 40 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

FIG. 26 is a graph depicting the sound generated by an ECHOMETER COMPACTGAS GUN at 70 Hz under the benchmark test conditions described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The following table is a list of the various components that are used ina various preferred embodiments of the current invention as describedherein. Note that some of the components listed are optional or are usedin some preferred embodiments of the current invention but not in otherpreferred embodiments: TABLE 1 List of Components No. Name  0 AcousticGenerator  1 Main Body Housing  1a Main Body Housing (Portable Unit)  1bMain Body Housing (Stationary Unit)  2 Handle Plate  3 Handle  4 HandleLeg  5 Lanyard  6 Lanyard Ring  7 Lanyard Guide  8 Modified Female QuickConnect  9 Modified Male Quick Connect  10 Lock Ring  11 Fire BobbinO-ring  12 Piston Valve  13 Threaded hole in Nub  14 Nub O-ring  15Piston Flange O-ring  16 Piston Shaft O-ring  17 Piston Section O-ringfor Piston Shaft  18 Set screws on Piston Section  19 Piston SectionO-ring  20 Piston Section  21 Top Section  22 Piston Shaft  23 FireBobbin  23c Fire Bobbin Cylinder  24a, b, c Slide Bobbins  25Differential Regulator Shaft  26 Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft  27Stable Pressure Regulator Seat  28 Filter Spacer/Tool  29c Nub Channel 29 Piston Nub  30 Fire Tube  31 Wave Guide Nut  32 Microphone Holder 33 Microphone Cap  34 Microphone Element  35a, b, c Filter Screens  36Set Screw for Microphone Nut  37 Set Screw for Tubes  37s Piston Nub SetScrew  38a, b, c Split Bobbin O-ring  39 Fire Tube O-ring  40 SupportTube  40s Support Tube Socket  41 Support Tube Sleeve  42 Support TubeAnchor Set Screw  43 O-ring for Support Tube  44 Filter Spacer/ToolO-ring  45 Differential Regulator  45c Differential Regulator Cylinder 46 Microphone Cavity  46s Microphone Cavity Section  47 DifferentialRegulator Relief Spring  48 Stable Pressure Regulator  48a StablePressure Regulator Chamber  48b Stable Pressure Regulator Channel  48cStable Pressure Regulator Cylinder  49 Top Section Piston CylinderO-ring  50 Fire Bobbin Spring  50g Fire Bobbin Spring Guide Spacer  51Differential Regulator Spring  52 Stable Pressure Regulator Spring  52gStable Pressure Regulator Spring Guide Spacer  53 Stable PressureRegulator Seat O-ring  54a, b Differential Regulator O-rings  55a, b, cFilter Screen O-rings  56a, b, c, d Stable Pressure Regulator O-rings 57a Stable Pressure Regulator E-clip  57b Differential Regulator E-clip 58a, b Microphone Wires  59 Solenoid Wire  60 Data Connector  60r DataConnector Receiver  61 Data Cable  61w Wiring Compartment  62 DataChannel  63 Microphone Wire Channel  64 Solenoid Wire Channel  65 CapScrews  66 Male Quick Connect  66c Top Section Gas Inlet  66r Male QuickConnect Receiver  67 Top Section Gas Connect O-ring  68 Data ConnectorSet Screw  69 Cap Screw Receiver Hole  70 Solenoid  70c Solenoid Passage 71a, b Solenoid O-rings  72 Piston Cylinder  73 Piston Flange  73aPiston Flange O-ring  74 Piston Screen  75 Nub Top Section O-ring  76Screwdriver Slot  77 Pressure Transducer  77s Pressure Transducer Seat 78 Pressure Transducer O-ring  79 Pressure Transducer Wire  80 PressureChamber  80s Pressure Chamber Section  81b, c Vent Chamber Channels  82Piston Cylinder Guide  83 Nub Chamber  84 Fire Tube Valve  85a FilterScreen Chamber  85b Filter Screen and Tool Chamber  86 MicrophoneElement O-rings  87 Zanier Diode  88 Resistor  89 Edge Bevel  90Pneumatic Computer  90 Pneumatic Computer Section  91a, b, c SpringChambers  92 Wave Guide O-ring  93 Small Pressure Chamber Sleeve  93aSmall Pressure Chamber Sleeve O-rings  94 Large Pressure Chamber Sleeve 94a Large Pressure Chamber Sleeve O-rings  99 Compressed Gas Source 100Surveyor Unit 102 Panel Mount Jack 103 Display Window 104 Face Panel 105Acoustic Velocity Knob 106 Depth/Changeover Knob 107 Off/On Gain MenuKnob 108 Fire Button 109 Measured Segment Knob 110 Feet in Segment Knob111 Inches to Fluid Knob 112 Compact Printer 113 Printer Port 114 12vPowerJack 115 USB Port 116 Hold-down Bracket 121 Surveyor Unit Lid 125Surveyor Unit Latch 130 Preamp 132 Solenoid Driver 134 A/D Converter 136Gain Stage 1 138 Gain Stage 2 140 CPU 142 RAM 144 Flash Memory 150RS-232 Interface 152 Real-Time Clock 154 USB Interface 160 Power Supply162 LEDs 164 Encoders 166 Battery 168 External Power SupplyConfiguration of the Acoustic Generator and Surveyor Unit

As depicted in FIG. 14 a, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Acoustic Generator 0 is connected to the well annulus atthe wellhead by a ½ inch NPT Modified Female Quick Connect 8 on the MainBody Fitting (Portable Unit) 1 a. A 2 inch pipe threaded end is normallyused for an Acoustic Generator 0 with a Main Body Fitting (StationaryUnit) 1 b. For either the portable or stationary configurations theAcoustic Generator 0 is connected to a Compressed Gas Source 99 via theMale Quick Connect 66 using a hose or mounting. The Male Quick Connect66 is connected to the Top Section Gas Inlet 66 c in the AcousticGenerator 0.

The Surveyor Unit 100 is electronically connected to the AcousticGenerator 0 via a Data Cable 60 c and controls all of the automaticfunctions of the Acoustic Generator 0.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the connectionsbetween all the components can be completed prior to installing theAcoustic Generator 0 to the well annulus thus allowing single-handinstallation of the Acoustic Generator 0.

As explained above acoustic soundings for oil wells are normally madewithin the inside wall of the casing pipe and the exterior of theproduction tubing string hanging within the casing pipe. The casing pipeis normally cemented in place within the oil producing borehole. Theproduction tubing is normally formed from relatively uniform sections ofsteel tube screwed together using joints known as collars. As explainedherein, the average distance between collars and the echoes created bythe collars are used to calibrate readings obtained by an acousticgenerator.

Acoustic Generator

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention, the AcousticGenerator 0 has two static positions, the fired/standby position and thearmed position. In operation the Acoustic Generator 0 is initially atrest in the fired/standby position, is moved to the armed position, andis fired to return to the fired/standby position.

As depicted in FIG. 1 a in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Acoustic Generator 0 is made of an internal module, seeFIG. 2, which is placed inside a Housing 1 and secured by a Lock Ring 10at the rear of the Acoustic Generator 0.

The Acoustic Generator 0 also has several alternative embodiments andoptional parts depending on the needs of the acoustic sounding for aparticular well or void. As explained above and shown in FIG. 1 a andFIG. 1 b, the Acoustic Generator 0 has alternative housings foralternative configurations and connections at the wellhead. Further asshown in FIGS. 2 a to 2 h inclusive, FIGS. 6 a to 9 b inclusive, and asexplained further herein, several components in the Acoustic Generator 0have alternative designs depending on the needs of the acoustic soundingmethod being applied. Also, as explained further herein, there areseveral optional components with the Acoustic Generator 0 to assist inuse and operation, such as the Filter Spacer/Tool 28 which is used fordisassembling and reassembling the Acoustic Generator 0 for maintenanceand repair purposes.

In addition, unless stated otherwise, the components in the preferredembodiments of the Acoustic Generator 0 are made of high qualitystainless steel and the O-rings identified are of Buna-N. Also stainlesssteel E-clips, screws, and springs have been used in preferredembodiments of the current invention. However, the Acoustic Generator 0can use alternative comparable materials and alternative comparablecomponents that provide the same functions as O-rings, E-clips, valves,screws, springs, flanges and stops. For example, in a preferredembodiment of the current invention, the four springs used in theAcoustic Generator 0 are all commercially available but can easily bereplaced by alternative components that produce the same function andperformance. In a preferred embodiment of the current invention thespecifications of the springs are as follows: TABLE 2 Springspecifications in a preferred embodiment of the current invention SolidPart Free Wire Total Coil Solid Spring Component Number* OD LengthDiameter Coils Height Load Rate Differential Regulator C180-500-190000.180 0.500 0.024 8.5 0.228 5.16 19.00 Relief Spring 47 Fire BobbinSpring 50 C180-875-14500 0.180 0.875 0.026 14.5 0.403 6.84 14.50Differential Regulator C300-687-62000 0.300 0.687 0.045 7.5 0.382 18.8762.00 Spring 51 Stable Pressure C300-687-62000 0.300 0.687 0.045 7.50.382 18.87 62.00 Regulator Spring 52*MSDivisions, a division of Commercial Communications LLC of Middletown,NY

As depicted in FIG. 1 a, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Acoustic Generator 0 is cylindrical in shape and can beviewed as having three distinct areas (moving from the rear to front):the Pneumatic Computer area, the Pressure Chamber area, and theMicrophone Cavity area. These three areas can be loosely associated withthe three basic functions of the Acoustic Generator 0, i.e. arming apressure chamber, firing the pressure chamber, and detecting the echoesreceived, but as explained herein each area of the Acoustic Generator 0plays a role in each of the three basic functions.

Pneumatic Computer Area

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the PneumaticComputer 90 not only controls the arming and firing of the acousticgenerator's Pressure Chamber 80 but also controls of the functions ofgas pressure regulation, control, timing, delivery, and evacuation forthe other chambers, cylinders, channels and passages in a preferredembodiment of the Acoustic Generator 0. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 a to 4 d,and 5, in a preferred embodiment of the current invention the PneumaticComputer 90 area contains most of the components of the AcousticGenerator 0.

Top and Piston Sections

As shown in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe two largest components of the Pneumatic Computer 90 are the TopSection 21 and the Piston Section 20. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 a to 4 d,and 5, in a preferred embodiment of the current invention the TopSection 21 and the Piston Section 20 are joined together by three CapScrews 65 located in the Cap Screw Receivers 69 in the Top Section 21and the Piston Section 20. The three Cap Screws 65 are accessible, andcan be removed from, the rear of the Top Section 21. When the Cap Screws65 are removed, the Top Section 21 and Piston Section 20 spring apart asa result of the spring pressure that exists between the variouscomponents of the Pneumatic Computer 90.

In separating the Top Section and Piston Section the first noticeableaspect of the interior of the Pneumatic Computer 90 is that there are notubes, pipes, or other fallible connections. The pneumatic connectionsin the body of the Pneumatic Computer 90 are all made by machined crosschannels, holes, and cylinders which are conjoining each other withinthe Top Section 21 and Piston Sections 20. FIGS. 6 a through 9 bschematically depict the components and the relationship between thechambers, cylinders, channels and passages used in two preferredembodiments of current invention.

Where the Top Section 21 and Piston Section 20 face together there arefive O-rings 49, 67, 75, 71 a and 71 b to seal the pressure channelsbetween the two Sections. A Piston Cylinder O-ring 49 is set around araised Piston Cylinder Guide 82 and used to seal the Fire PistonCylinder 72. The other four O-rings 67, 71 a, 71 b and 75 seal the restof the pneumatic passages in between the Top Section 21 and the PistonSection 20. This assembly configuration of a preferred embodiment of thePneumatic Computer 90 allows the components and working parts of thePneumatic Computer 90 to be removed, replaced, or cleaned quickly. Whenthe two Sections are apart, every component and working part can beremoved from the Top Section 21 and Piston Section 20 by hand. Indisassembly there may be working parts or components in either Section,but generally all will remain with the Piston Section 20.

As shown in FIG. 3 b, on the front side of the Top Section 21 are SpringHoles 91 a-c for the springs over several components, and O-ring slotsfor the various O-rings. There is also a machined Solenoid Wire Channel64 for the control wires coming from the Solenoid 70 and going over tothe Data Cable 61 in the Top Section 21. In the Top Section 21, thereare two small machined Vent Channels 81 b and 81 c being attached tovarious component Spring Chambers 91 b and 91 c and over to the outeredge of the Top Section 21. The Vent Channels allow the gas from theinternal components to be dissipated into an Edge Bevel 89 surrounding180 degrees around the outer circumference of the rear end edge of thePiston Section 20. In a preferred embodiment of the current invention aflat surface of the Edge Bevel 89 can be between 0.03 inches to 0.30inches with a bevel angle of 30 to 60 degrees, with 0.085 inches and a45 degree Edge Bevel 89 working the best. This is a safety feature of apreferred embodiment of the current invention as gas pressure releasedfrom the two Vent Channels 81 b and 81 c to the atmosphere is renderedharmless by being bled down through the Edge Bevel 89 and disbursed intothe space that is left between the outer diameter of the Top Section 21and the inside diameter of the Lock Ring 10.

Pneumatic Computer Components

The following is a description of the components present in a preferredembodiment of the current invention starting with the components in theTop Section 21.

Piston Nub

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventioninside the center of the Top Section 20 is a Nub Bobbin 29. In apreferred embodiment of the current invention the Nub Bobbin 29 is about½″ in diameter. The Nub Bobbin 29 acts as a pressure compensation bobbinfor the Piston Shaft 22. The Nub Bobbin 29 pushes down on the top of thePiston Shaft 22 with the same void pressure entering into the front ofthe Acoustic Generator 0. In a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the void pressure that might affect the operation of theinstrument is balanced and neutralized against itself by utilizing theNub Bobbin 29. The nub pressure comes directly from the void pressure toequalize and compensate for the well pressure entering the front of theAcoustic Generator 0 and pressuring the front of the Piston Shaft 22.This compensation or equalizing allows the Piston Shaft 22 to beoperated with a separate Stable Pressure gas driven firing system asdescribed herein.

As shown in FIG. 2 b there are three alternative versions of the NubBobbin 29 for various preferred embodiments of the current invention. InVersion A, the Nub Bobbin 29 is solid and completely free and separatefrom the Piston Shaft 22. In Version A the void pressure is fed to therear the Nub Bobbin 29 through the Pneumatic Computer 90. This isachieved by using Version A of the Piston Section 20 as shown in FIG. 2c, which links the inlet from the Pressure Transducer 77 to the Nub Port29 c. Schematically this is depicted in FIG. 6a which shows the inletfrom the void to the Pressure Transducer 77 being continued to the rearof the Nub Bobbin 29. Version B and Version C as shown in FIG. 2 b workby connecting a Nub Bobbin 29 with a passageway as an extension of aPiston Shaft 22 with a passageway, the passageways of the Piston Shaft22 and Nub Bobbin 29 allowing the void gas to pass through the PistonShaft 22 to the rear of the Nub Bobbin 29. As the void gas does not needto pass through the Pneumatic Computer 90 in this arrangement, thechannel from the Pressure Transducer 77 to the Nub Port 29 c is omitted,as depicted in Version B of the Piston Section 20 as shown in FIG. 2 cand schematically depicted in FIG. 6 b.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Nub Bobbin 29 maybe removed for maintenance or Nub O-ring 14 replacement with the sameFilter Screen/Tool 28 threaded tool that is used for removing the FilterScreens as described herein.

Wire Components

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Pneumatic Computer 90 has a commercially availablePressure Transducer 77 to read the void pressure at any given time. ThePressure Transducer 77 sends its results through its wires to anyelectronics in sync with its specifications. The Pressure Transducer 77may be easily removed from its Seat 77 s and replaced after the TopSection 21 and the Piston Section 20 have been separated and thePressure Transducer Wires 79 have been disconnected from the DataConnector 60. The Top Section 21 has a Data Channel 62 on the outer edgeof the Data Connector Receiver 60 r. The Data Cable 61 which includesthe Pressure Transducer Wires 79, the Microphone Wire 58, and theSolenoid Wire 59 can be brought out through the Data Channel 62 afterthe Data Connector Set Screw 68 is unscrewed from the Data Connector 60and released. This allows the sections to be moved further apart withoutunduly disturbing the wiring. The only wire still attached to the TopSection 21 is the Solenoid Wire 59 which is coiled into the open wiringcompartment space around the Data Connector 60 when assembled.

Piston Section Components

As shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe major components that are housed in the Piston Section 20 will bedescribed as viewed in order clockwise beginning at the FilterScreen/Tool 28.

Note although it is a component in the Piston Section 20 as depicted,the Piston Shaft 22 is more fully described in the Pressure Chamberarea.

Filter Screen/Tool and Filter Screens

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the PneumaticComputer 90 houses a Filter Screen/Tool 28 which is a spacer for theFilter Screen 35 b below it. It also has a threaded shaft on one endwhich is used as a removal tool for the Filter Screens, 35 a and 35 b,and the Piston Nub 29 which is located inside the Top Section 21. Thethreaded shaft of the Filter Screen/Tool 28 is used to remove the FilterScreens 35 a and 35 b by inserting it into the exposed end of the FilterScreen, turning the tool clockwise and pull up and out to remove.Pulling the stainless steel Filter Screen 35 b out for cleaning is alsothe first step for a complete breakdown of the Acoustic Generator 0.This enables the sections to be submerged in solvent and the channelswithin the Top and Piston Sections cleaned in total. The Filter Screen35 a filters the Stable Pressure gas from the Stable Pressure Regulator48 into the center or feed of the Solenoid 70.

Differential Regulator

A component within the Pneumatic Computer for a preferred embodiment ofthe current invention is the Differential Regulator 45, as shown in FIG.3 b. In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the DifferentialRegulator 45 is an assembly of components that is a little over an inchin length. The Differential Regulator 45 consists of a Center Shaft 25with shoulders or stops at both ends and the following assembledcomponents, starting from the rear moving to the front: a small ReliefSpring 47 resting on the rear shoulder of the Center Shaft 25 with thefront end of the Relief Spring 47 compressing against the rear end of aSlide Bobbin 24 b. Against the front end of a Slide Bobbin 24 b is therear end of a Differential Pressure Spring 51 which has anotheridentical but inverted Slide Bobbin 24 c on its front end and an E-clip57 b or other similar stop holding the assembly to the front end of theCenter Shaft 25. The Slide Bobbins have holes through their centers andare used as valves in conjunction with O-rings 54 a, 54 b on the CenterShaft 25. The Slide Bobbins also have external O-rings 38 b, 38 c whichwill allow the bobbins to be used as valves when the DifferentialRegulator 45 is inside the Differential Regulator Chamber 45 c. TheDifferential Regulator Chamber 45 c having two inlets: a front inlet forthe void and a rear inlet for the Compressed Gas Source 99. TheDifferential Pressure Spring 51 determines the pressure differential inthe Pressure Chamber 80 in relation to the void pressure, and the ReliefSpring 47 holds the whole assembly in place and rapidly moves air bymoving the assembly's components before their intended usage. The ReliefSpring 47 also holds the front Slide Bobbin 24 c down, using O-ring 54 bas a closed valve awaiting pressure movement. In a preferred embodimentof the current invention there are two outlet or feed channels connectedto the Differential Regulator Chamber 45 c. The front channel feeds theStable Pressure Regulator 48 and the rear channel feeds the PressureChamber 80. As the regulator is shifted from front to rear and viseversa, the gas pressure flowing into these feed channels is shifted fromone source to another. In this configuration of a preferred embodimentof the current invention the Differential Regulator 45 is able toperform several different functions in the operation of the AcousticGenerator 0.

Automated explosion vs. implosion mode selection function

As shown in FIGS. 6 a through 9 b, one function of the DifferentialRegulator 45 is that of assessing the operations of the AcousticGenerator 0 for explosion or implosion mode. Depending on the voidpressure, a gas pressurized acoustic generator can be armed and fired inone of two modes: the explosion or implosion mode. The explosion moderequires an external source of gas pressure to arm the gun's chamber toa pressure above the void pressure. In firing the gun the sound isgenerated by the higher pressure gas in the chamber entering the void.Alternatively, the implosion mode sets the gun's chamber to a pressurebelow the void pressure. In firing the gun the sound is generated by thehigher gas pressure in the void entering the chamber.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the question ofwhether to arm the Acoustic Generator 0 in the explosion or implosionmode is automatically determined by the Pneumatic Computer 90 throughthe Differential Regulator 45 which responds to the source of thegreater pressure: the void pressure at the front or the Compressed GasSource 99 at the rear of the Differential Regulator 45. In a preferredembodiment of the current invention the Compressed Gas Source 99 alsoprovides the preset gas pressure used to charge the Pressure Chamber 80in the explosion mode. When the rear of the Differential Regulator 45,at Slide Bobbin 24 b, is subjected to a greater pressure than the frontof the Differential Regulator 45, at Slide Bobbin 24 c, the entireDifferential Regulator 45 acts like a shuttle valve and shifts forwardin the Differential Regulator Chamber 45 c. As shown in FIG. 6 a, withthe Differential Regulator 45 in the forward position, the gas from theCompressed Gas Source 99 can flow into the Pressure Chamber and into theStable Pressure Regulator Chamber 48 a. When the gas pressures arereversed with respect to each other, i.e. void pressure at the front isgreater than the Compressed Gas Source 99 pressure at the rear, theDifferential Regulator 45 will move to the rear to a position where theSlide Bobbin 24 b is restrained from further movement by the front faceof the Top Section 21. As shown in FIG. 8 a, in this position thepressure feed for both channels shifts. The feed channel for thePressure Chamber 80 is now positioned to feed or vent from the centersection of the Differential Regulator 45. The feed channel for theStable Pressure Regulator 48 is now in front of the entire DifferentialRegulator 45 allowing the void pressure to flow freely into this feedchannel. As explained herein, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Compressed Gas Source 99 provides the basis for a presetgas pressure from which the automatic determination of explosion orimplosion mode is made. The Compressed Gas Source 99 can also provide apredetermined gas pressure to charge the Pressure Chamber to in theexplosion mode.

Implosion Mode Differential Regulation Function

The next function in a preferred embodiment of the current invention isthe differential regulator function that occurs in the implosion mode.The Differential Regulator 45 maintains a regulated differentialpressure between the void and the Pressure Chamber 80 for firing in theimplosion mode. In a preferred embodiment of the current invention thePressure Chamber 80 is ported by the Differential Regulator 45 throughSlide Bobbin 24 b to maintain a constant balance pressure differencebetween the Pressure Chamber 80 and the void. This regulation isaccomplished by the opposing pressures being applied on Slide Bobbin 24c when the Differential Regulator 45 is at the rear of the DifferentialRegulator Chamber 45 c in the implosion mode as explained above. Withthe Differential Regulator 45 in this position the void pressure on thefront side of Slide Bobbin 24 c is opposed by the combined pressure ofthe Pressure Chamber 80 and the Differential Regulator Spring 51 on therear Slide Bobbin 24 c. In this function the compression resistance ofthe Differential Regulator Spring 51 determines the relative pressure ofthe Pressure Chamber 80 to the void. In a preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention, in this function the Differential Regulator Spring 51can be selected to produce pressure in the Pressure Chamber 80 of 25pounds per square inch (psi) up to the maximum rated working pressure ofthe Acoustic Generator 0, with a range of 50 psi to 500 psi being goodand sufficient for acoustic soundings for most oil wells. In a preferredembodiment of the current invention one guide for setting the PressureChamber 80 is to set it at a pressure difference of 100 psi plus 10 psiper 1,000 feet of well. In a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention a pressure difference of approximately 150 to 300 pounds lessthan the void pressure is found to be the optimum pressure differencefor an acoustic sounding of an average oil well. In circumstances whenthe void pressure is higher than 1000 psi, the chamber pressure area canalso be reduced in size using either Version A or Version B of thePressure Chamber Sleeves shown in FIG. 2 d and the differential pressurebetween the void and the chamber area can be varied anywhere from 150psi up to the void pressure.

Implosion Mode Pressure Chamber Setting Function

As shown in FIG. 9 a or 9 b, in the standby/fired position in theimplosion mode of a preferred embodiment of the current invention thePressure Chamber 80 is open and has the same gas pressure as the void.In the implosion arm cycle the pressure in the Pressure Chamber 80 needsto be reduced with relationship to the void. This is done by releasingan appropriate amount of gas through the center valve of Slide Bobbin 24b into a suitable containment area. In a preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the Pressure Chamber 80 is armedin the implosion mode by the Piston Shaft 22, which has a Piston Flange73 and Piston Valve 12, moving forward to close the Fire Tube Valve 84.As the Piston Shaft 22 moves forward the Piston Valve 12 opens allowingthe gas pressure in the Pressure Chamber 80 to equalize with the gaspressure that exists between the Slide Bobbins 24 b and 24 c in theDifferential Regulator 45. When the gas pressure between the SlideBobbins, along with the pressure from the Differential Spring 51 and theRelief Spring 47, spreads the two Slide Bobbins 24 b and 24 csufficiently apart the front Slide Bobbin 24 c meets the DifferentialRegulator E-clip 57 b on the Center Shaft 25. This draws the CenterShaft 25 forward opening the O-ring 54 a from inside the rear SlideBobbin 24 b allowing gas to escape through this channel and the MaleQuick Connect 66. When a sufficient amount of gas from the PressureChamber 80 has escaped gas pressure along with the compression tensionof both the Differential Spring 51 and the Relief Spring 47, moves theO-ring 54 a into Slide Bobbin 24 b thus closing the path for theescaping gas.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the current invention byrestraining the movement of the Center Shaft 25 when the DifferentialRegulator 45 is in its rearmost position in the armed position anybackward movement of the front Slide Bobbin 24 c caused by an increasein void pressure enables additional gas to enter between the SlideBobbins 24 b and 24 c to the Pressure Chamber 80. Accordingly in thisalternative preferred embodiment of the current invention the differencebetween the pressure in the Pressure Chamber 80 and the void isconstantly maintained even if the void pressure suddenly increases ordecreases during the arming cycle.

Implosion Mode Differential Regulator Pressure Function

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention, when the gaspressure in Pressure Chamber 80 is reduced for firing in the implosionmode, there is also a slight pressure difference between the two SlideBobbins 24 b and 24 c of the Differential Regulator 45 and the PressureChamber 80 due to the presence of the Relief Spring 47. The additionaltension of the Relief Spring 47 to the tension of the DifferentialRegulator Spring 51 will determine the release pressure at which theDifferential Regulator Chamber 45 c gas is allowed to equalize with thePressure Chamber 80. In a preferred embodiment of the current inventiona range difference of 2 to 50 psi is a possible difference, with a rangedifference of 3 to 15 psi being good, and a range difference of 5 to 10psi being the best. The presence of this gas pressure between the twoSlide Bobbins 24 b and 24 c is sufficient to prevent any chatteringeffect and to prevent any pressure blast from the Compressed Gas Source99 from moving the rear Slide Bobbin 24 b and closing its center passageat an inappropriate time.

Safety Bleed Function

Another function of the Differential Regulator 45 in a preferredembodiment of the current invention is that of a safety bleed function.If the Acoustic Generator 0 needs to be removed from the well annulusand either the void pressure, i.e. the gas pressure in the chamberaround the front of the Microphone Section 74, and/or the PressureChamber 80 is above atmospheric pressure, then either excess pressurecan be relieved by putting a rod or other similar device into the MaleGas Quick Connect 66 inlet and gently pushing on the top of theDifferential Regulator 45. This will relieve the excess pressure afterthe well is shut off and before the Acoustic Generator 0 is removed fromthe well annulus. This bleed function is important for proper safety andoperation of the Acoustic Generator 0.

An alternative way to bleed off unwanted gas pressure is to simply firethe Acoustic Generator 0 when the void pressure is at atmosphericpressure or when the Well Depth is set to “000” on the Surveyor Unit100. As explained herein because the firing mechanism is an independentmechanism, the Acoustic Generator 0 can be fired at anytime toequilibrate any gas pressure differences.

Stable Pressure Regulator

As shown in FIG. 5, moving clockwise from the Differential Regulator 45in the Piston Section 20 is the Stable Pressure Regulator 48. In apreferred embodiment of the current invention the Stable PressureRegulator 48 is depicted in FIG. 3 a. The Stable Pressure Regulator 48is housed in the Pneumatic Computer 90 in a Stable Pressure RegulatorChamber 48 a, the top of which is vented through the Pneumatic Computer90 to outside atmospheric air pressure. A Stable Pressure RegulatorSpring 52 is placed on the rear of the Stable Pressure Regulator 48 inthe Stable Pressure Regulator Chamber 48 a. The Stable PressureRegulator Spring 52 may also use an optional Stable Pressure RegulatorSpring Guide Spacer 52 g, at FIG. 2 e, for adjusting its spring tensionaccordingly.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Stable PressureRegulator 48 provides a consistent stable gas pressure for operation ofthe internal processes in the Acoustic Generator 0. This stable gaspressure can be from 25 to 1000 psi, with 70 to 500 psi being better,and 70 to 150 psi being optimum for most of the time. In disassemblingthe Pneumatic Computer 90, the Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26 alongwith the Slide Bobbin 24 a may be removed, as with previous items, bysimply grasping the upper portion of the stem and pulling them straightout of the Piston Section 20. The Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26 hastwo identical exposed O-rings: one spaced near the center 56 b, and theother 56 c spaced near the front of the Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft26.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the O-ring 56 bregulates the air from the high pressure source to the Stable Pressuresystem by sealing off incoming gas pressure when the O-ring 56 b meetsthe Stable Pressure Regulator Seat 27. The O-ring 56 c located at thefront end of the Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26 goes into a StablePressure Regulator Valve Cylinder 48 c located underneath the Seat 27,As shown in FIG. 2 a, the O-rings can be either single or doubled asthere is a slight improvement in performance using doubled O-rings. Theother end of the Stable Pressure Regulator Valve Cylinder 48 c is ventedthrough the Pneumatic Computer 90 to the outside atmospheric airpressure. Because of this configuration with the venting of the StablePressure Regulator Chamber 48 a and the Stable Pressure Regulator ValveCylinder 48 c the rear and front ends of the Stable Pressure RegulatorShaft 26 are at the same atmospheric pressure. The front and rear endsof the Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26 being at the same atmosphericpressure, and isolated from the higher pressures that exist in theAcoustic Generator 0 during its operation, enable the accurate controlof the Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26 by the Stable PressureRegulator Spring 52. In a preferred embodiment of the current invention,this same pressure compensation technique is used on the Piston Nub 29.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention there is an O-ring 56a underneath the Slide Bobbin 38 a which provides the Stable PressureRegulator Shaft 26 flexibility in operation by allowing it to self alignwith its respective seats that are further inside the Piston Section 20.The Slide Bobbin 24 a is held in position over this O-ring 56 a by anE-clip 57 a around the Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26.

In front of the Stable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26 and Slide Bobbin 24 ain the Stable Pressure Regulator Chamber 48 a is the Stable PressureRegulator Seat O-ring 53 which sits on Stable Pressure Regulator Seat27.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Stable PressureRegulator 48 works by taking any higher gas pressure from the void orfrom the Compressed Gas Source 99 and reduces it to the working pressurefor the Solenoid 70, Fire Bobbin 23, and the Piston Shaft 22. The StablePressure gas system created by the Stable Pressure Regulator 48 can befrom 25 to 1000 psi, with 70 to 200 psi being better, and 70 to 150 psibeing optimum.

As shown in FIG. 2 a, in one preferred embodiment of the currentinvention single O-rings can be used for each of the 3 sections on theStable Pressure Regulator Shaft 26. However, it is found that when thefront section uses two O-rings, as shown in FIG. 2 a, there is a slightimprovement in operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Stable PressureRegulator Seat 27 has a Screwdriver Slot 76 for ease of removal andreplacement for maintenance.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention some of thecomponents in the Pneumatic Computer 90 are identical. For example, theSlide Bobbins (24 a, b, and c) in the Differential Regulator 45 andStable Pressure Regulator 48 are identical, as are O-rings on the shaftsof both regulators and as are the O-rings on the Slide Bobbins.

Fire Bobbin

As shown in FIG. 5, moving clockwise on the Pneumatic Computer 90 thenext component in a preferred embodiment of the current invention is theFire Bobbin 23. In the preferred embodiment of the current invention theFire Bobbin 23 is a little over an inch long and has 3 sections ofO-rings 11. Although single O-rings can be used for each of the 3sections on the Fire Bobbin it is found that when the top two sectionshave two O-rings, as shown in FIG. 5, there is a slight improvement inoperation.

The Fire Bobbin 23 is spring loaded at its rear end by a Fire BobbinSpring 50 which fits in the center of the Fire Bobbin 23 and protrudesout above the Fire Bobbin 23. The preferred embodiment of the currentinvention also permits an optional Fire Bobbin Stable Pressure RegulatorSpring Guide Spacer 50 g at FIG. 2f to be used for adjusting the tensionof the Fire Bobbin Spring 50 as needed.

On the front end of the Fire Bobbin 23 is a nub that is designed toalStable pressure to pass around it quickly in the arming process. Thenub also suspends the Fire Bobbin 23 away from the blunt end of the FireBobbin Cylinder 23 c as an anti-jamming feature. In a preferredembodiment of the current invention the Fire Bobbin 23 can be removedfrom the Pneumatic Computer 90 using any shaft of appropriate size todislodge and remove the Fire Bobbin 23. This is accomplished byinserting the end of the shaft into the hole where the Fire BobbinSpring 50 was removed and, with a small side pressure to create someresistance, pulling the Fire Bobbin 23 out of the Fire Bobbin Cylinder23 c.

Solenoid

In the preferred embodiment of the current invention moving clockwise onthe Pneumatic Computer 90 the next component is the Solenoid 70 which islocated on the rear end of the Acoustic Generator 0 secured to the TopSection 21. This Solenoid 70 is used to initiate both the arming andfiring of the Acoustic Generator 0. In a preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention the Solenoid 70 has two positions to control theAcoustic Generator 0. In the off-position the internal valve in theSolenoid 70 is closed and Acoustic Generator 0 is in the fired/standbymode. In the on-position the internal valve in the Solenoid 70 is openallowing the various gases to enter the Acoustic Generator 0 to switchit to the armed mode. Several benefits arise from this arrangement. Onebenefit is safety as the Acoustic Generator 0 can only become armed whenan electrical signal from an outside source activates the magnetic fieldin the Solenoid 70 to open the internal valve in the Solenoid 70. Thismeans that if no electrical signal is sent to the Solenoid 70 theAcoustic Generator 0 will remain in the fired/standby position and theelectrical connection is only needed when the Acoustic Generator 0 needsto be armed and fired. As shown in FIG. 14 there are several potentiallyhazardous connections to be made in order to set up the AcousticGenerator 0. Many prior art acoustic generators use the oppositeconfiguration, i.e. the solenoid is to remain on at all times and onlyturned off to fire the acoustic generator. Other prior art acousticgenerators were even more hazardous by requiring the operator to firstcharge the pressurized chamber and then set up the connections asdepicted in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIGS. 6 a to 9 b, when activated the valve in the Solenoid70 allows the Stable Pressure gas from the Stable Pressure Regulator 48through the Solenoid Channel 70 c and Filter Screen 35 a to the nub endof the Fire Bobbin 23. Because the rear end of Fire Bobbin 23 is ventedto atmospheric pressure in the fired/standby mode the Fire Bobbin 23 ispushed backward which allows Stable Pressure gas from the StablePressure Regulator 48 to be directed to exhaust port of the PistonCylinder 72 and the rear face of the Fire Piston Flange 73 which ispushed forward closing the Fire Tube Valve 84 between the PressureChamber 80 and the void as the Piston Shaft O-ring 16 seals inside theFire Tube 30. When the Solenoid 70 is closed the gas pressure isreleased through the solenoid vent, the Fire Bobbin Spring 50 pushes theFire Bobbin 23 down, which redirects the Stable Pressure gas to thepressure supply port of the Piston Cylinder 72 and the front face ofFire Piston Flange 73 pulling the connected Piston Shaft 22 to the rearand the Piston Shaft O-ring 16 out of the Fire Tube 30 and opening thePressure Chamber 80 to the void for rapid pressure equalization.

As further shown schematically in FIGS. 6 a to 9 b, the firing mechanismis the same regardless of the gas pressures that exist in the PressureChamber 80, void, or Compressed Gas Source 99.

The Solenoid 70 can easily be removed by disconnecting the Solenoid Wire59 and unscrewing the unit while the Top Section 21 is separated fromthe Piston Section 20. With the sections separated O-rings 49, 67, 71 a,b, and 75 can be removed or replaced.

Pressure Chamber Area

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe Pressure Chamber 80 is formed between the Piston Section O-ring 19and the Fire Tube O-ring 39 sealing against the inside diameter of theAcoustic Generator Housing 1. As shown in FIG. 1 the Pressure Chamber 80also has Support Tubes 40 and the Piston Shaft 22 running through itslength from rear to front. The Piston Shaft 22 with its Piston ShaftO-ring 16 forms the Fire Tube Valve 84 and seals the Pressure Chamber 80from the void when the Piston Shaft 22 is inserted into the Fire Tube30. The Support Tubes, which are used as a conduit for the wirecomponents and to provide atmospheric pressure to the inside of theMicrophone Unit, as further described herein, have O-rings 43 on both oftheir ends to seal the Pressure Chamber 80, and are suspended betweenthe Piston Section 20 and the Fire Tube 30, which has a flange plate atthe rear. In alternative embodiments of the current invention SupportTubes 40 may have Support Tube Sleeves 41 and may be held in position ateither end by an E-clip or Anchor Set Screw 42. The use of Anchor SetScrews 42 at the front end of the Support Tube 40 for securing to theFire Tube 30 eliminates the need for Support Tube Sleeves 41 and O-ringson the set screw ends.

As the Pressure Chamber area is the main portion associated with thefiring mechanism of the Acoustic Generator 0, the following not onlydescribes the various components in the Pressure Chamber area in apreferred embodiment of the current invention, but also describes thefiring mechanism of the Acoustic Generator 0.

Firing Mechanism

As described in Wolf, a gas pressurized acoustic generator works byisolating a chamber from the wellhead or void, changing the gas pressurein the chamber to be different than the void pressure, and connectingthe chamber to the void to equilibrate the pressure difference. Theenergy released in the gas pressure equalization process generates thesound needed for making the echoes from the borehole.

Without being bound by any theory or hypotheses the sharpness, duration,clarity, and intensity of the sound made by a gas pressured acousticgenerator are related to the time taken for the gas pressure differenceto equilibrate. Essentially, the shorter the time to equilibrate thebetter the sharpness, duration, clarity, and intensity of the gunshotsound for acoustic sounding purposes. The preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention is designed to use a number of systems to improve timetaken for the gas pressure difference to equilibrate.

One of the systems used in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention is the firing mechanism, which is an actuating system thatuses a separate force, other than the force created by the unequal gaspressures, to continue to open the firing valve past the initial momentthe unequal gas pressures meet, i.e. past the moment the firing valve iscracked open.

By using this actuating system, the current invention does not use norrely upon the gas pressure difference between the pressure chamber andthe void in order to effectuate a quick time to equilibrate. In fact theactuating system is designed not only to be independent of the pressuresof the pressure chamber, void and external source but also to reduce theeffects of any force created between the pressure chamber and void whenfiring the Acoustic Generator 0.

Accordingly the actuating system will operate regardless of the pressurechamber, the void, the external gas source, and the pressure differencebetween the pressure chamber and the void. As a direct outcome of usingthis actuating system, the current invention removes any effects of thedifference in gas pressures on the firing mechanism. As a result thecurrent invention can produce a suitable sound at any pressure withinthe device's physical limitations. As the actuating system is notdependent on the pressure difference, the current invention can be usedin either explosion or implosion mode. Further the magnitude of theunequal gas pressures can be made very high for deep wells, or very lowfor an acoustic sounding of the top of a well or for shallow wells.

In the preferred embodiment of the current invention the actuatingsystem is driven by the Stable Pressure gas system as defined herein.This is a gas-powered pneumatic system, but it is not the only type ofsystem that can provide the actuating force. The actuating force couldbe provided by hydraulic, electromechanical, or any other type ofmechanism that could provide an actuating force to open the pressurechamber to the void.

Further, as shown herein, the independent firing mechanism is just oneof the systems used in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionto eliminate, reduce or offset the effects that the unequal gas pressureforce has on the time taken for the gas pressures to equilibrate. Asshown in the Benchmark Test results herein, the interesting andunexpected phenomena of the current invention is that the preferredembodiment of the current invention not only produces an equilibrationtime shorter than any prior art gas pressurized acoustic generator butalso produces a sharper, shorter, clearer, and more intense sound foracoustic soundings than all prior art gas pressurized acousticgenerators.

Firing Mechanism Components

The following describes the components that make the firing mechanism ina preferred embodiment of the current invention.

Piston Shaft

The Piston Shaft 22 provides the platform for several functions in thepressure chamber setting and firing mechanisms. As shown in FIG. 2 bthere are alternative embodiments of the Piston Shaft depending on thepath for providing void gas to the rear of the Nub Bobbin 29 asdescribed herein. In FIG. 2 b, Version A of the Piston Shaft 22 is solidand the rear of the Nub Bobbin 29 is set to the void pressure by gassent through the Pneumatic Computer 90 as described herein. In FIG. 2 b,Versions B and C of the Piston Shaft 22 show the rear of the Nub Bobbin29 being set to the void pressure by gas sent through passageways inboth the Piston Shaft 22 and the Nub Bobbin 29. In both versions thePiston Shaft 22 has a filter screen on the front of the channel toprevent material from the void entering the Acoustic Generator 0. Thedifference between Versions B and C being the connection between thePiston Shaft 22 and the Nub Bobbin 29 which can be temporary by using ahollow Piston Nub Set Screw 37 s or permanent by machining the PistonShaft 22 and Nub Bobbin 29 together as a single unit.

Piston Cylinder

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention as shown in FIG. 1 a,the Piston Cylinder 72, which is a part of the firing mechanism, is atthe rear of the Piston Section 20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in apreferred embodiment of the current invention the Piston Cylinder 72 isof a size and diameter so as to utilize an actuating force created bythe Stable pressure system created in the Pneumatic Computer 90 in orderto drive the Piston Flange 73 and the Piston Shaft 22 forward andbackward at a very high rate of speed. In a preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention the Piston Cylinder 72 has an exhaust port and apressure supply port fed through the Fire Bobbin 23. In a preferredembodiment of the current invention the Piston Cylinder 72 cavity can befrom 0.5″ to 1.5″ in diameter and 0.2″ to 1.5″ in depth with a 0.850″diameter by 0.850″ depth working well and a 1.0″ diameter by 0.750″depth working the best.

Piston Shaft

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention as shown in FIG. 1,with the Top Section 21 and the Piston Section 20 separated the PistonShaft 22, which has a Piston Flange 73 and Piston Valve 12, may beremoved by pushing the Piston Shaft 22 up through the Piston Section 20to exit the rear of the Piston Section 20.

Piston Flange

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Piston Flange 73,which sealed against Piston Cylinder 72 wall by an O-ring 73 a is movedby the differences and changes in gas pressure on either side of thePiston Flange 73. The changes in the gas pressure on either side of thePiston Flange 73 in turn moves Piston Shaft 22 between the fired/standbyand armed positions. In the fired/standby position the Piston Flange 73is to the rear of the Piston Cylinder 72 as the result of a higher gaspressure being applied to the front face of the Piston Flange 73. Asdescribed herein by moving to the armed position the pressures on theexhaust and pressure supply channels to the Piston Cylinder 72 arereversed, with the higher gas pressure on the rear face of the PistonFlange. This moves the Piston Flange and Piston Shaft forward closingthe Fire Tube Valve 84 isolating the Pressure Chamber 80 from the voidand enabling the Pressure Chamber 80 to be charged to the appropriatepressure via the Piston Valve 12 which is now open to the DifferentialRegulator 45. The forces on the Piston Flange 73 provide a power strokewhen pushing the Piston Shaft 22 forward to close the Fire Tube Valve 84and a speed stroke when moving the Piston Shaft 22 back to release thepressure wave created between the Pressure Chamber 80 and the void. Thesize and diameter of the entrance and exit passages directly relates tothe power and speed strokes. A small diameter is used to create a backpressure brake for the power stroke and a larger diameter passage isused for the speed stroke. This prevents damage to the internal partsand alleviates any unwanted sounds from metal contact.

As further described herein, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the void pressure that might affect the operation and firingof the Acoustic Generator 0 is offset against itself by utilizing theNub Bobbin 29 which sits behind the Piston Flange 73 in the PneumaticComputer 90 as described herein. The nub gas pressure comes directlyfrom the void pressure to equalize and compensate for the void pressureentering the front of the Acoustic Generator 0 and pressuring the frontof the Piston Shaft 22. This compensation or equalizing allows thePiston Shaft 22 to be operated with the separate Stable Pressure gassystem as described herein.

Piston Valve

As shown in FIG. 2 and 5, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention there is a Piston Valve 12 on the Piston Shaft 22. The PistonValve 12 is the link between the firing mechanism and chamber pressuresetting mechanism in the Acoustic Generator 0. The function of thePiston Valve 12 is to open the Pressure Chamber 80 to the DifferentialRegulator 45 in order for the Pressure Chamber 80 to be automaticallyset to the appropriate pressure for firing. In a preferred embodiment ofthe current invention the Piston Valve 12 is formed by a curved indentcompletely around a portion of the Piston Shaft 22.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention when moving from thefired/standby position to the armed position the Piston Shaft 22 movesforward and closes the Fire Tube Valve 84 resulting in the PressureChamber 80 being isolated from the void. After the Fire Tube Valve 84closes the Piston Shaft 22 continues to move forward opening the PistonValve 12. The opening of the Piston Valve 12 allows gas to flow past thePiston Section O-ring 17 a to gaseously link the void-isolated PressureChamber 80 to the Differential Regulator 45. As described herein theDifferential Regulator 45 performs either one of two functions insetting the pressure of the Pressure Chamber 80. In the implosion mode,excess gas will follow from the Pressure Chamber 80 through theDifferential Regulator 45 to the appropriate lower pressure asdetermined by the mechanisms of the Differential Regulator 45 asexplained herein. In the explosion mode, gas from the Compressed GasSource 99 will follow to the Pressure Chamber 80 via the DifferentialRegulator 45 as explained herein.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the indent of PistonValve 12 allows required gas to flow either in or out, depending on themode of firing, around and past the O-ring 17 a to fill or empty thePressure Chamber 80. When the Piston Shaft 22 is pulled backward, i.e.to fire the gun and return to the fired/standby position, the shaftportion without the indent, seals against the Piston Section O-ring 17 aand the Piston Valve 12 is closed.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the radius of the cutfor the Piston Valve 12 can be from 0.1″ to 0.4″ ; we have found 0.25″to work well with 0.261″ being best. The depth of this machine cutradius can be from 0.01| to 0.5″; it has been found that 0.350″ to workswell and 0.339″ to works the best. In a preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention the Piston Valve 12 curve completely encompasses thePiston Shaft 22 in order to disperse the gas uniformly, to reduceturbulence, and to prevent any tendency to lift out of place or pit thePiston Section O-ring 17 a.

Fire Tube Valve

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe Fire Tube Valve 84 is inside the rear of the Fire Tube 30 and isformed when the Piston Shaft O-ring 16 at the front of the Piston Shaft22 seals inside the rear of the Fire Tube 30. In a preferred embodimentof the current invention the Piston Shaft 22, with Piston Shaft O-ring16, is propelled forward by the Piston Flange 73 so as to insert thefront end, approximately ¼ inch in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention, into the Fire Tube 30 center shaft hole at the flange endcompletely sealing off and isolating the Pressure Chamber 80 from thevoid. When the Piston Flange 73 is propelled backward the Piston Shaft22 and Piston Shaft O-ring 16 are extracted from the Fire Tube 30 andthe valve is opened. As described herein in the explosion mode thePressure Chamber 80 is charged with pressurized gas from an outside gassource, the Fire Piston Flange 73 is fired, pulling the Piston Shaft 22and the Piston Shaft O-ring 16 out of the Fire Tube 30 opening the FireTube Valve 84 and expelling the pressured gas charge into the void. Asdescribed herein in for the implosion mode the Pressure Chamber 80 isset to a pressure lower than the void, the Fire Piston Flange 73 isfired, pulling the Piston Shaft 22 and the Piston Shaft O-ring 16 out ofthe Fire Tube 30 instantly opening the Fire Tube Valve 84 and allowingthe higher pressure void gas to fill the Pressure Chamber 80.

The firing mechanism operation is shown in FIGS. 6 a to 9 b. The figuresshow the various components, channels, passageways, and gas pressures atthe fired/standby and armed positions for both the explosion andimplosion mode in two alternative embodiments of the current invention.There are differences in position of various components in the explosionand implosion mode due to the Pressure Chamber 80 pressure settingmechanism. But the firing mechanism for both modes is the same and isnot influenced by the pressures in the Pressure Chamber 80, CompressedGas Source 99, void, or any part of the Pressure Chamber 80 pressuresetting mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the time of thefiring mechanism to be set from the fired/standby to armed position isdetermined by an electrical supply that is sent through the Data Cable61 to the actuating side of the Solenoid 70. This electrical supplyopens the internal valve in the Solenoid 70. In a preferred embodimentof the current invention the electrical supply is left on for ½ to 5seconds duration, with 2 seconds being optimum. During this time theStable Pressure gas from Stable Pressure Regulator 48 then travelsthrough the Solenoid 70 and into the Pneumatic Computer 90 to applypressure to the actuating end of the Fire Bobbin 23 which in turncompresses the Fire Bobbin Spring 50 located inside the opposite end ofthe Fire Bobbin 23. The movement of the Fire Bobbin 23 reverses theexhaust and pressure supply ports which are applied to the rear andfront of the Piston Cylinder 72 respectively, the exhaust port beingincreased from atmospheric to the Stable pressure, the pressure supplyport being decreased from the Stable pressure to atmospheric. Thispressure difference moves the Piston Flange 73 with its Piston Shaft 22forward to seal off the Pressure Chamber 80 from the void by utilizingthe Piston Shaft O-ring 16 seated inside the rear end of the Fire Tube30 creating the High Pressure Fire Valve 84. When the Fire Valve 84closes the Piston Valve 12 opens and the Pressure Chamber 80 is then setto the appropriate pressure as determined by the Pneumatic Computer 90as described herein.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention when the electricalsupply is shut off to the Solenoid 70 the pressure supply to thepassageway for the actuating end of the Fire Bobbin 23 vents toatmospheric pressure. The compressed Fire Bobbin Spring 50 pushes theFire Bobbin 23 forward which in turn reverses the pressures in theexhaust and the pressure supply ports of the Piston Cylinder 72, theexhaust port returns to atmospheric pressure and the pressure supplyport is increased from atmospheric pressure to the Stable pressure. Thischange in pressure moves to the Piston Flange 73 back to its originalfired/standby position pulling the Piston Shaft 22 with the Piston ShaftO-ring 16 out of the Fire Tube 30 to close the Piston Valve 12 and openthe Fire Valve 84 thus enabling the pressure difference between thePressure Chamber 80 and the void to equilibrate. In a preferredembodiment of the current invention the complete cycle time is just over2 seconds.

Microphone Cavity Area

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Microphone Cavityarea at the front of the Acoustic Generator 0 contains the Fire Tube 30which sends the sound into the void, and the Microphone unit (32, 33,and 34) which receives echoes from the well and sends the appropriateelectrical signal to the Surveyor Unit 100.

As mentioned before in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthere are systems used to eliminate, reduce or offset the effects thatthe unequal gas pressure force has on the time taken for the gaspressures to equilibrate. This includes the portal structure design andthe design of the components in the Microphone Cavity area which aremade for the efficient and effective firing of sound and the accuraterecording of the echoes generated.

Fire Tube

As shown in FIG. 1 in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe Fire Tube 30 is set in its position against the Housing 1 at thefront of the Pressure Chamber area and is sealed from the void by theFire Tube O-ring 39. The rear flange plate of the Fire Tube 30 and theHousing 1 form the front wall of the Pressure Chamber 80. As shown inFIG. 2 in a preferred embodiment of the current invention the rearflange plate of the Fire Tube 30 also secures the Support Tubes 40.

Without being bound by any theory or hypotheses due to the design of theAcoustic Generator 0 in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe barrel or portal of the Fire Tube 30 has a number of features whichshorten the time taken for the gas pressure difference to equilibrate.

First, in a preferred embodiment of the current invention the diameterof the barrel or portal of the Fire Tube 30 is as large enough so as toshorten the time to equilibrate and yet not too large so as to createunwanted or excess turbulence. In a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the opening has an area of 0.1 to 2.5 square inches.

Second, in a preferred embodiment of the current invention the portal ofthe Fire Tube 30 is in the center of the front face of the PressureChamber 80. In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the frontface of the Pressure Chamber 80 is symmetrical with the Fire Tube 30 inthe center to ensure a symmetrical release of the gases when theAcoustic Generator 0 is fired.

Third, in a preferred embodiment of the current invention barrel of theFire Tube 30 is a hollow cylinder which provides a straight shot of thesound wave into the void. In a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention when the Piston Shaft 22 is pulled back to fire the AcousticGenerator 0 the sound generated is directly channeled by the barrel ofthe Fire Tube 30 into the void.

Another option for a preferred embodiment of the current invention isfor the barrel of the Fire Tube 30 to be rifled, i.e. to have cut ormachined in any number if spiral grooves to the inside surface.

Microphone Unit and Wave Guide

As shown in FIG. 2 and 3 c, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Microphone unit (32, 33, and 34) is a hollow cylindricaldesign that is fits over the barrel of the Fire Tube 30 and is securedinto place with the Wave Guide Nut 31 screwed on to the front end of theFire Tube 30. The Wave Guide Nut 31 is further locked down fromunscrewing with a Set Screw 36. As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferredembodiment of the current invention the Microphone Element 34 isparallel to the barrel of the Fire Tube 30 and perpendicular to thefront of the barrel. The Wave Guide Nut 31 has a symmetrical bevel onthe front so as to correspond and be parallel to the angle of theinternal symmetrical bevel of the Housing 1. The Wave Guide Nut 31 islarger in diameter than the outside surface of the Microphone Element34. This design allows any incoming pressure waves that might affect thesignals from the Microphone unit to be deflected around the Wave GuideNut 31 into the main part of the Microphone Cavity 46 area as theyricochet against the rear flat side of the Wave Guide Nut 31. Thisdesign permits the Microphone Unit to be extremely sensitive in order toenhance and improve the quality of the echoes detected. In a preferredembodiment of the current invention the bevel of the Wave Guide Nut 31can be 20 to 45 degrees, depending on other internal characteristics ofthe Acoustic Generator 0 and microphone. Thirty degrees works well buttwenty-five degrees works the best for acoustic sounding purposes.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Microphone unititself consists of a Microphone Element 34 made of a cylindrical CeramicPiezo material which is suspended between the Microphone Holder 32 andthe Microphone Cap 33 with Microphone O-rings 86 on the ends and insidediameter. There are alternative embodiments for the Microphone Element34. As shown in FIGS. 2 g and 2 h one embodiment has two separateoppositely charged conductive coatings on the inside of the MicrophoneElement 34 with the outer surface having a neutral coating. A Lead Wire,58 a and 58 b, is connected to each of the conductive coatings on theinside.

As shown in FIG. 3 c in another embodiment the Microphone Element 34 hastwo separate oppositely charged conductive coatings, one on the outsideand the other on the inside with both Lead Wires 58 a and 58 b beingconnected to the inside coating through a Zener Diode 87 and a Resistor88 respectively.

For either embodiment of the Microphone Element 34 described the LeadWires, 58 a and 58 b, run through a Support Tube 40 to the Data Channel61 as shown in FIG. 1. The Microphone unit (32, 33 and 34) is assembledwith specific torque specifications for resonant frequency response andsufficient sensitivity. The cavity made in the Microphone unit by itsthree components is air-tight but is constantly at the atmosphericpressure due to the air passageway through the Support Tube to the rearof Acoustic Generator 0. Maintaining atmospheric pressure in the cavityof the Microphone unit maintains the quality of the echoes receivedregardless of the void gas pressure.

Surveyor Unit

The following is a description of the components and operation of theSurveyor Unit 100.

Components and Operations of the Surveyor Unit

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the following describes the components andoperations of the Surveyor Unit 100 in a preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthere are two input signals and one output signal from the Surveyor Unit100 to the Acoustic Generator 0. The analog signals from the PressureTransducer 77 are digitalized by an A/D Converter 134 for processing bythe Surveyor Unit CPU 140. The analog signal from the Microphone 34 issent to a Preamp 130 and two Gain Stages 136 and138 for input to the CPU140 where it is digitalized by the A/D converter inside the CPU 140.There are two gain stages to maximize the signal and minimize gainerrors although more could be used if needed. The CPU 140 also controlsthe Solenoid 70 by using a Solenoid Driver 132.

The CPU has two additional outputs, an Interface 150 to the CompactPrinter 112 component of the Surveyor Unit 100, and a USB Interface 154,shown as the USB Port 115 in FIG. 13, to connect the Surveyor Unit 100to a computer for further analysis of the data stored in the SurveyorUnit 100.

There are two types of memory. Flash memory 144 is used for storing longterm data such as settings and shot files. Data in a flash memory is notlost when power is removed. Ram memory 142 is used for temporary storageand data is lost when power is removed.

The Encoders 164 are rotary encoders and their function is similar topotentiometers. They are used when a user turns a knob. A digital signalis sent to the I/O Processor CPU 140 to input settings such as velocityand well depth into the Surveyor 100.

There are various parameters and functions performed by the I/OProcessor CPU 140 which are shown in FIG. 11 and saved in a Surveyorshot file. These functions are:

-   Well pressure-   Changeover depth-   Well depth-   Acoustic velocity-   Decay rate-   Peak averaging time-   Threshold multiplier-   Autostart setting-   Filter frequencies-   Preamp gain-   Minimum gain-   Maximum gain-   Start gain knob setting-   End gain knob setting

The filters used in the Surveyor Unit 100 are digital filters. The “top”filters filter sound collected from the start of the shot until thechangeover depth is reached. The “bottom” filters are used the rest ofthe time. Digital filters are implemented by multiplying the current andprevious sound readings by a set of stored coefficients. The output ofthe filter is the sum of the products. Frequencies, “sharpness” and stopband attenuation are determined by the coefficients used and can bechanged by software at any time. The calculations are performed by theCPU so no additional components are needed.

The actual gain of the amplifiers is determined by the knob settings andthe minimum and maximum gain settings. The amplifier gain with a knobsetting of 1 is equal to the minimum gain setting and the gain at a knobsetting of 10 equals the maximum gain. Minimum and maximum gains will beset when the Surveyor is initially setup and probably will not bechanged by the user.

The fluid hit algorithm is a set of steps taken by the Signal Processorto find the reflection from the fluid surface. The background soundduring the shot is filtered and a threshold is determined. The thresholdis found by first tracking the instantaneous peak sound amplitude.Between peaks, this amplitude is “bled away” by the decay rate. Thethreshold is the average of previous peaks multiplied by the thresholdmultiplier. The characteristics of the threshold can be changed to workin a particular well by changing the decay rate, averaging time, andthreshold multiplier.

Last, each sound sample is compared to the current threshold. When thesound amplitude reaches the threshold in a negative direction, the fluidreflection has been found.

The depth calculation performed by the Surveyor is the following:Depth=Time to hit×(Velocity/2)Operating of the Surveyor Unit

As shown in FIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe Surveyor Unit 100 is in a protective case of approximately 7×8×5.5inches. After opening the Latch 125 and lifting the Lid 121 of theSurveyor Unit 100, various colored knob controls will be available forusage. The Compact Printer 112 is located above the top of the FacePanel 104 and is electronically connected through an Interface 150,which is shown in FIG. 13 as the Panel Mount Jack 102. Additionaloptional functions can be supported through additional plugs next to thePanel Mount Jack 102.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Compact Printer112 uses a frequency-controlled step-motor for a consistent, exact, andreproducible printer speed. The strip chart produced by the CompactPrinter 112 shows time in seconds at the top of the tape along the edgeto the bottom of the printed tape and likewise measurements in inches onthe opposite edge with the zero for both being set at the face wave ofthe shot. As shown in FIG. 13, in the upper left hand corner of the FacePanel 104 there are plugs for the 12V PowerJack 112, the USB Port 115,and the Printer Port 113. In the bottom left corner of the Face Plate104 moving from left to right are control knobs and the fire button.

As shown in FIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment of the current inventionthe first knob on the left is the Acoustic Velocity Knob 105, and isused to adjust the Acoustic Velocity measurement in feet per second. TheAcoustic Velocity Knob 105, like several other knobs in the SurveyorUnit 100, has two height positions, up and down, with the up positionbeing the default. In the up position the Acoustic Velocity Knob 105 isused to finely adjust the acoustic velocity setting by feet per secondunits. In the down position the Acoustic Velocity Knob 105 will makelarge adjustments to the acoustic velocity setting by one hundred feetper second units.

Moving to the right in FIG. 10, the next knob shown is theDepth/Changeover Knob 106. In a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Depth/Changeover Knob 106 has three functions, in thedefault up position it changes the void or well depth distance,clockwise to increase and counter-clockwise to decrease in increments of100 feet. In the down position the Depth/Changeover Knob 106 alters thefrequency changeover depth, clockwise to increase and counter-clockwiseto decrease. The third function of the Depth/Changeover Knob 106 occurswhen it is used in conjunction with the Off/On Gain Knob 107 to enterdesired numerical values into the Surveyor Unit 100 from the menuselection which is displayed on the Digital Readout Display 103.

Moving to the right in FIG. 10, the Off/on Gain Knob 107 is the nextknob and is commonly called the menu knob. In a preferred embodiment ofthe current invention the menu functions are shown in Table 3: TABLE 3Off/On Gain Knob Menu for Surveyor Unit Menu Function No. of Knob pushesMode Default Start/Stop 0 Off-On Off Off = Turn Right On = Turn LeftEnding Gain Default Turn Right or Left Setting 1 Beginning Gain DefaultDepress and Turn Right or Setting Left 2 Setup Code Default Start = FireSetting Stop = Tap Once 3 Auto-Fire Clock Zero Start = Fire Stop = Tap 3Times 4 Pressure Transducer Zero Stop = Automatic Zero Set

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Off/On Gain Knob107 is also used as the off-on switch by turning to the right in thestandard height position for “on” and left in the standard position for“off”. The selected menu function is displayed on the Display Window 103and the Depth/Changeover Knob 106 is used to enter the numerical valuesinto the electronic programming of the Surveyor Unit 100. When using theDepth/Changeover Knob 106 in this mode, single digit units are selectedin the up position and turning the Selector Knob 106 to the left orright to the desired number. The down position will change the values bymultiples of tens or hundreds as appropriate.

Moving to the right in FIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the knob to the right of the Off/On Gain Knob 107 is the FireButton 108. This is a momentary contact push button used to arm and thenfire the Acoustic Generator 0. At a desired time after all numericentries have been made into the Surveyor Unit 100 the Fire Button 108 ispressed and released initiating an electronic signal. This willimmediately set all surveyor data entries and initiate the firing cycle.In a preferred embodiment of the current invention an electronic pulsetravels through the Data Cable 61 to the Acoustic Generator 0 toautomatically trigger the Solenoid 70 for two seconds for arming andthen releases the Solenoid 70 to fire the Acoustic Generator 0 asexplained herein. As also explained herein, the Fire Button is also usedas a safety button for pressure bleed-off. When the Well Depth is set to“000” the Fire Button can be pressed to open the Solenoid 70 to relieveall excess pressures prior to Acoustic Generator 0 disconnection from awell.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention as shown in FIG. 13,there are three smaller knobs in a triangular pattern in the upper rightcorner of the Face Panel 104. These knobs are used as an alternatemethod to calculate and adjust the acoustic velocity reading. Startingon the top above the Fire Button 108 and slightly to the right is theMeasured Segment Knob 109. It is used for entering the number of inchesmeasured on the printout tape which correlate to ten pipe collars or anyother known distance measurement in the well. In a preferred embodimentof the current invention the default setting for the Measured SegmentKnob 109 is set to a distance that represents ten normal collars, 2.123inches. The next small knob to the right is the Feet in Segment Knob 110which is used to enter the average number of feet for ten lengths ofwell tubing in the well being measured. In a preferred embodiment of thecurrent invention the default setting for the Feet in Segment Knob 110is 317.5 feet. The third knob is the Inches to Fluid Knob 111. It isstraight below the Feet in Segment Knob 110. This Inches to Fluid Knob111 is used to enter the total number of inches on the printout tapefrom the start of the shot fired to the fluid hit. When these values areentered into the Surveyor Unit 100 the fluid level is recalculated andshown on the Digital Readout Display 103. In a preferred embodiment ofthe current invention the default setting for the Inches to Fluid Knob111 is 22.34 inches which correlates with our standard demo shot. Whilethis example is using 10 collar lengths to determine the overallacoustic velocity of the well, a much greater known distance to ananomaly deep in the well is preferred as it will give greater accuracyfor the entire distance. The three knobs 109, 110 and 111 are used as amanual method for calculating acoustic velocity and fluid levels fromthe Surveyor Unit 100.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the Compact Printer112 will print a continuous line readout of the well shot feedbackinformation as a positive bump or negative dip off of the centerlinewhich when interpreted will show pipe collars, fluid level, and otherwell anomalies. This readout will have various control settings printedon the first portion of each shot tape prior to the shot feedbackinformation.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the top lid of theprotective case has a metal Hold-down Bracket 116 to restrain theCompact Printer 112 from unwanted movement while the Surveyor Unit 100is being transported and to provide a storage place for digitalcalipers, the data cord, and the unit's instruction card.

Explosion and Implosion mode

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the AcousticGenerator 0 will automatically determine the explosion or implosion modethrough the Differential Regulator 45 by detecting the difference inpressure from the void compared to the external gas source. The greaterof the two pressures will shift the Differential Regulator 45 forward orbackward which in turn changes the pressure passages accordingly. TheSurveyor arms and fires the Acoustic Generator 0 exactly the same forboth the explosion and implosion modes.

Setting Shot Properties Manually

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the properties andsettings can be manually altered for specific desired results using oneor more of the three larger knobs, 105,106, and 107. Typically the voidor well depth is set first using the Depth/Changeover Knob 106 in the upposition. Then the frequency crossover depth is set by using the sameknob, pushing it down, and turning it right or left as desired, althoughthis is not necessary as the default changeover will automatically beadjusted to one half of the entered well depth. Following this thebeginning and ending gain settings can be changed using the Off/On GainKnob 107; the ending gain in the up position and the beginning gain inthe pushed down position. If the acoustic velocity is known it can beentered at any time prior to initiating the fire sequence, by turningthe Acoustic Velocity Knob 105 right or left in the up position toachieve the desired result. Tapping any of these knobs once will displayits current setting.

Using Set-Up Code Option

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention specific settings forany individual well or void can be entered as the default settings. Thisis done by pressing the Off/On Gain Knob 107 twice and then using theDepth/Changeover knob 106 to enter the numeric setup code. These newdefault settings will remain in the Surveyor Unit 100 until cleared bysetting a new set-up code, by turning off the power, or by manualadjustment of Knobs 105, 106, or 107. When the power is turned back on,the original set-up codes will revert as the default codes.

Changeover

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the changeover depthis the depth in feet where high frequency for readings in the upperportion of the well changes to a lower frequency for readings from thelower portion of the well. As explained herein, higher frequencies of 40Hz to 100 Hz are normally used to measure the reflections from thecollars. The measurement of the echoes from the collars is used tocalibrate the echoes from the well as the distance between the collarsis known. The lower frequency of 1 to 40 HZ is normally used to detectthe fluid hit; i.e. the fluid level present in the well. However thesefrequency ranges may not be applicable for every well and so thefrequencies being detected may need to be altered or adjustedaccordingly.

In the Surveyor Unit 100 the results to be analyzed have a changeoverpoint, at the place where the higher frequency detection changes over tothe lower frequency detection. In a preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the Surveyor Unit 100 can change the changeover by using theDepth/Changeover Knob 106 when depressed and turned right or left asdesired.

Setting Automated Firing Timer

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the automated shottimer can be set by pressing the Off/On Gain Knob 107 three times. TheDigital Readout Display 103 will show Hr 0.00. This represents theamount of time from one automatic firing to the next automatic firing.It can be set at regular intervals from 1 minute apart up to 24 hoursapart in most cases. In other cases, depending on the nature of a well,an operator may want to set an irregular specific automatic firing timesequence to observe an unusual phenomena exhibited by the well.

Regardless of the regularity or irregularity of the firing timesequence, setting the Automated Firing Timer is accomplished with theDepth/Changeover Knob 106; in the up position, turning right or leftwill dial in the amount of minutes and in the depressed position,turning right or left will dial in the hours. After the desired time hasbeen set, one press of the Fire Button 108 will start the sequence ofautomatic firing, or to cancel the automatic firing sequence tap threetimes on the Off/On Gain Knob 107 to revert to the default settings.

Well Depth Setting

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the well depth is setusing the Depth/Changeover knob 106 in the up position. Turning thisknob right or left will dial in the desired well depth in 100 footincrements. Typically in the preferred embodiment of the currentinvention the well depth is set at or below the known well depth.

Acoustic Velocity

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the default acousticvelocity is set at 1220 ft per second. Any known acoustic velocity canbe entered by turning the Acoustic Velocity Knob 105 right or left inthe up position for single units and depressed for hundreds of units tothe desired amount.

Confirming Fluid Level

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the fluid level depthwill show on the Digital Readout Display 103 as the distance in feetfrom the top of the well to the fluid level at the conclusion of anyshot fired. It is automatically calculated and determined through theinternal computer electronics and is not subject to any directmanipulation or control externally other then recalculations fromadjusted parameters. If no fluid level is determined from the internalelectronics the Digital Readout Display 103 will read all 8s.

Automated Marker Finder and the Corrected Acoustic Velocity Calculator

When shooting a well to ascertain the level of the fluid standing withinthe well, it is common practice to find a length of time encompassing aknown distance. This length is extrapolated to the point where the fluidlevel is observed, while counting this number of lengths or segments andmultiplying by the known length of the segment. This segment length isusually near the top of the well, where pipe collars of a known lengthare most visible.

This method does not account for the variations in Acoustic Velocitywhich occur when gas within the well settles into layers, often havingdiffering Specific Gravity and therefore widely varying AcousticVelocities. To get more accurate estimations of fluid levels, someprofessionals try to find the location of a known feature of the wellwhich is close to the fluid level and measure the shorter distance fromthis feature to the fluid. These known features are commonly referred toas “Markers”. These Markers may be valves, anchors, casing liners andother objects within the well, or larger collars or other objects placedalong the tubing or casing string for the purpose of generating anacoustic anomaly or a Marker anomaly.

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention, Marker anomalies arefound automatically by the Surveyor Unit 100 much in the same manor asthe automatic fluid level is determined described above with somevariations. First, the Marker anomaly for which the program is searchingis often a solid object, which will create an upward spike on thereadout display, instead of the downward spike usually indicating thefluid level hit. Second, an upward spike anomaly is usually expected tobe found within a narrow range, and this range may be set to about onesecond, or less of the shot recording to search only in this narrowrange and ignore other similar anomalies. In a preferred embodiment ofthe current invention the range is set in the Surveyor Unit 100. Anotherunique feature of this search is that its' frequency may be set to onethat best singles out the Marker anomaly. This unique frequency/filterapplies only during the narrow range selected for this search. In apreferred embodiment of the current invention the range and thresholdamplitude for the Marker anomalies are set in the Surveyor Unit 100.

When the Marker anomaly is detected by the Surveyor Unit 100 itcalculates the precise time from the beginning of the shot to thedetection of the Marker anomaly, and use this time and known distance toascertain an Acoustic Velocity which is calculated over as much of thewell depth as possible for superior accuracy over previous methods whichrely on the length of a few collars near the surface of the well.

About one tenth of a second prior to every automatic fluid levelcalculation, the Acoustic Velocity is determined and applied to theAcoustic Velocity calculation used for the current fluid leveldetermination for maximum accuracy. Since many wells already havenoticeable features which may be used as known Markers, this becomesvery practical in many wells, and therefore is part of the standardSet-up Code criteria to be applied to each unique well situation by ourinstruments.

Viewing the Well Background Sounds

In a preferred embodiment of the current invention the well backgroundnoise can be seen directly in real time on the Surveyor Unit 100 fromthe Compact Printer 112 by pressing once and holding down the Off/OnGain Knob 107 until the desired amount of tape has been released forreview from the Compact Printer 112. This viewing will show any noiseoriginating from the well itself.

Benchmarking the Invention

The main goal of any acoustic generator is to generate a sound thatenables the microphone in the gun, or a separate transducer, to detect aclear range of echoes from the entire borehole. For the acousticsounding method the sound to be generated by the gun should be similarto that of a gunshot, i.e. a sharp short loud bang. This isoversimplifying the situation, but the phrase “loud sharp short bang” isuseful because it relates to the three measurable qualities of thesound's effectiveness in the acoustic sounding method: intensity (loud),the face angle (sharp), and the elapsed time (short). In addition tothese criteria there is a fourth factor in determining the effectivenessof the sound generated for the acoustic sounding method: interference.Interference is a fourth measurement of a sound's effectiveness in theacoustic sounding method because it takes into consideration the effectsthat any interfering secondary sounds may have with the primary soundwave generated by the acoustic sounding equipment.

Intensity

Intensity is the initial power release rated in decibels (dB) which areeasily measured with readily available electronic instruments andprograms, such as a pressure transducer calibrated in a linear scaleconverted to millivolts and sent to a digital readout. But decibels arenot an empirical measurement unit as the decibel value depends on theagreed upon reference. The decibel scale is a base 10 logarithmic scale,so from any given starting point it takes 10 times an increase in soundpower to increase the dB readings by 10. As an example to increase 150dBs to 160 dBs it takes 10 times greater power needed then at 150 dBs.To the average person a 10 dB increase in sound level is perceived as adoubling in loudness.

So although intensity is rated in decibels, intensity is related topressure amplitude. Pressure amplitude being a measure of the size ofthe variation in air pressure caused by a sound wave. In particular, theenergy in a sound wave is proportional to the square of the pressureamplitude. As an example, if the pressure amplitude of a sound wave isdoubled then the energy carried by that wave is quadrupled. In puresilence there is a constant pressure—atmospheric pressure. It is fairlysimple to understand how a calibrated measurement of the pressureamplitude can be made using a microphone to convert the pressurevariations into an electrical signal. By applying known pressurevariations to the microphone the electrical signal can be calibrated todirectly measure the air pressure variations. With suitable processingthis pressure variation can be converted into the pressure amplitude.This function is performed by Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meters.

Elapsed Time

The second is elapsed time. This equates to the exact amount of timemeasured in milliseconds from the first recordable pressure wave createdby this rapid equalization to the end of any equalization activity whichwill create distortion in the echo return. The end of the equalizationactivity being defined as the point when the amplitude drops back to 0db and does not produce a secondary wave afterwards, i.e. does notproduce a subsequent positive reading of 155 dB or more.

Face Angle

The third factor determining the effectiveness of a sound wave intendedfor acoustic sounding purposes is the flatness of the front wave face.For the purposes of benchmarking, this is measured from the graphresults as being the angle of the front wave face as compared to ahorizontal line in sync with the base line of the wave trace.

Secondary Wave

The fourth factor to be determined is the clarity of the sound. Thepresence or absence of a secondary wave being an indicator of theclarity of the sound. To be effective the primary sound wave, i.e. thelargest sound wave generated by the acoustic generator when fired mustnot encounter interference created by a secondary wave or a ripple inthe primary or first wave. For the purposes of benchmarking, a secondarywave is defined as a second positive reading of 155 dB or more producedfrom the acoustic generator during the initial firing of the generatorfor at least one-half of the firings at the particular setting. A rippleis defined as a sharp dip or fall off in the front face of the firstprimary wave so as to separate the front face into two or more angles(see Sonolog FIGS. 19, 20, and 21).

Test Methodology

A preferred embodiment of the current invention was tested with twocommercially available pressurized chamber acoustic generators, theSONOLOG D-6C2 from Keystone Development Corporation as described in Wolfand the COMPACT GAS GENERATOR from the Echometer Corporation. Each ofthe three generators was attached to a one meter long, two inch diameterstationary pipe with a threaded end at one end for attaching thegenerator. The generators were fired at room temperature using anexternal gas pressure source in the explosion mode and the soundsemitted from the generators were detected at the other end of the pipeby a Honeywell 30 psig microphone. The microphone output being sent to acomputer programmed with a standard audio signal analysis program withthe results being plotted on a graph such as the one shown in FIG. 15with time (in seconds) on the x-axis and the decibel (dB) logarithmicscale for the y-axis.

In the oil industry the acoustic sounding method uses very low audio tosub-audio sound wave frequencies. These sound frequencies can range from100 Hz to 1 Hz, with a range of 80 Hz to 10 Hz being the norm. Thedifferent frequencies within these ranges are used to detect differentattributes in the well, for example, collars are usually detected at the80 Hz to 40 Hz range, whereas the fluid level is detected in the 30 Hzto 1 Hz range. Accordingly the results from the microphone were detectedat 10, 20, 40 and 70 Hz for each firing to determine the sound generatedby each generator at each frequency.

Further for the purposes of benchmarking the different generators, thegenerators were fired with their pressure chambers set at 150 psi and100 psi to determine any change in performance at these differentpressures and each generator was fired at least ten (10) times at eachpressure setting for statistical accuracy.

Benchmark Results

FIGS. 15 through 26 show the results produce at 10, 20, 40 and 70 Hzfrom firing of each generator. The following are the benchmark resultsfor the three gas pressurized acoustic generators: TABLE 4 SONOLOG D-6C2Benchmark Results Elapsed Time Chamber Intensity (micro- Face AngleSecondary pressure (psi) (dB) seconds) (degrees) Wave Frequency (Hz) 100150 100 150 100 150 100 150 10 153 163 25 21 78 77 Y Y 20 155 165 22 1882 82 Y Y 40 157 166 20 23 85 84 Y Y 70 158 166 19 33 85 85 Y Y

TABLE 5 ECHOMETER INC. COMPACT GAS GENERATOR - Benchmark Results ElapsedTime Chamber Intensity (micro- Face Angle Secondary pressure (psi) (dB)seconds) (degrees) Wave Frequency (Hz) 100 150 100 150 100 150 100 15010 148 156 33 20 75 79 Y — 20 152 159 20 12 82 83 Y — 40 154 161 19 1184 85 Y Y 70 156 162 18 14 86 86 Y Y

TABLE 6 PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE CURRENT INVENTION - BenchmarkResults Elapsed Time Chamber Intensity (micro- Face Angle Secondarypressure (psi) (dB) seconds) (degrees) Wave Frequency (Hz) 100 150 100150 100 150 100 150 10 156 163 11 18 83 84 — — 20 160 165 8 13 85 86 — —40 163 166 6 8 87 87 — — 70 164 169 5 7 87 88 — —

From the results in the following tables there are similarities anddifferences in the generators. All generators increased in bothintensity and face angle with an increase in the chamber gas pressure.Also all generators increased in both intensity and face angle with anincrease in the frequency of the sound.

The change in chamber pressure had a different effect on the elapsedtime for the prior art gas pressurized generators when compared to apreferred embodiment of the current invention, providing proof of theeffect of the different mechanisms and systems used in the currentinvention to speed up the equilibration time. For the SONOLOG D-6C2 andthe ECHOMETER COMPACT GAS GENERATOR the elapsed time for a pressurechamber set to 150 psi was less than the elapsed time for a pressurechamber set to 100 psi. This result supports the theory that theperformance of these gas pressurized acoustic generators is linked tothe pressure difference between the chamber and the void.

The preferred embodiment of the current invention produced the oppositeresult in testing. An increase in the pressure chamber produced anincrease in the elapsed time. But regardless of this trend, thepreferred embodiment of the current invention produced significantlyshorter elapsed times than the prior art gas pressurized acousticgenerators for all chamber pressures at all frequencies measured.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. An acoustic generator, a device that makes a soundinto a void for the purpose of generating echo frequencies, comprising,a chamber with a first valve opening to a void and a second valve, andthe valves actuatedly linked so that the second valve opens after thefirst valve closes and the second valve closes before the first valveopens.
 21. An acoustic generator as in claim 20 wherein the pressuredifference between the chamber and the void is 25 pounds per square inchor greater when both valves are closed before the first valve opens. 22.An acoustic generator as in claim 21 wherein the void is a wellhead. 23.An acoustic generator as in claim 22 wherein the valves are actuatedlylinked by the valves being linked to one actuating mechanism.
 24. Anacoustic generator as in claim 23 wherein the valves are in axialalignment in the chamber.
 25. An acoustic generator as in claim 24wherein the valves are axially moveable along the chamber.
 26. Anacoustic generator as in claim 25 wherein the first valve is unbiased.27. An acoustic generator, a device that makes a sound into a void forthe purpose of generating echo frequencies, comprising, a chamber with afirst valve opening to a void and a second valve, the first valve beingunbiased and controlled by a power-operated actuating mechanism, and thesecond valve being actuatedly linked to the first valve.
 28. An acousticgenerator as in claim 27 wherein the second valve being actuatedlylinked to the first valve so that the second valve opens after the firstvalve closes and the second valve closes before the first valve opens.29. An acoustic generator as in claim 28 wherein the pressure differencebetween the chamber and the void is 25 pounds per square inch or greaterwhen both valves are closed before the first valve opens.
 30. Anacoustic generator as in claim 29 wherein the void is a wellhead.
 31. Anacoustic generator as in claim 30 wherein the valves are actuatedlylinked by the valves being linked to one actuating mechanism.
 32. Anacoustic generator as in claim 31 wherein the valves are in axialalignment in the chamber.
 33. An acoustic generator as in claim 32wherein the valves are axially moveable along the chamber.
 34. Anacoustic generator, a device that makes a sound into a void for thepurpose of generating echo frequencies, comprising, a chamber with afirst valve opening to a void and a second valve, and the valves beinglinked to one actuating mechanism so that the second valve opens afterthe first valve closes and the second valve closes before the firstvalve opens.
 35. An acoustic generator as in claim 34 wherein thepressure difference between the chamber and the void is 25 pounds persquare inch or greater when both valves are closed before the firstvalve opens.
 36. An acoustic generator as in claim 35 wherein the voidis a wellhead.
 37. An acoustic generator as in claim 36 wherein theactuating mechanism is power-operated.
 38. An acoustic generator as inclaim 37 wherein the valves are in axial alignment in the chamber. 39.An acoustic generator as in claim 38 wherein the valves are axiallymoveable along the chamber.